Fulbright Forum - Newsletter of the Fulbright Academy - October 2008
The Fulbright Academy of Science & Technology (FAST) works to strengthen the network of Fulbright scholars internationally. We expand knowledge and international understanding by linking leaders in science, business, government and academia. In 2008, we organized or participated in over two dozen conferences, meeting and programs in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.
Like many businesses and organizations, FAST is being influenced by the current economic climate. To maintain our continued growth, we are working closely with members, government agencies, businesses and other partners. As of today, we are not envisioning any cuts. In fact, “service expansion” is the main topic on the agenda for our November 14-15 Board of Directors meeting in Chicago with alumni and members of the Director’s Circle.
New members and donors will play an important role in the continued health of our small, but growing organization. To achieve this goal, we have the FAST Five Initiative: 50 or more new members and contributors of $500 to $5,000. These funds will be used to support our programs. FAST is already well on our way toward achieving that goal, with new donors from Europe, Asia and North America. Donations and membership contributions in any size are welcome.
Please help Fulbright scholars advance creative thinking and problem-solving by making a donation today to the Fulbright Academy. Click the "newsletter" icon above to make an on-line donation.
Thank you - Eric Howard, Executive Director
FAST Annual Conference:
Macedonia
The broad theme for this March 2009 Fulbright Academy conference is innovation in "small places". Some fascinating developments are coming out of smaller countries. USA, India, China and other big countries do not have a monopoly on innovation. We will explore how businesses, NGOs, governments and institutions of higher education in other parts of the world working individually or collaboratively to secure a better economic future.
These smaller countries are laboratories for innovation - economic innovation, social innovation, scientific innovation. Because of their size, smaller countries also can be rapid adopters of new ideas and technologies. In addition, some of these small jurisdictions have carved out and maintain a niche in the global economy. How does this happen? What can Fulbrighters and leaders other countries, businesses and organizations learn from your experience?
Our program will be an opportunity for you to share your knowledge and learn from others. Macedonia is the host for the conference because of the great changes that have taken place in Eastern and South-eastern Europe in the past two decades. We look forward to seeing you in Skopje on March 24-27, 2009 (Tues-Friday).
If you would like to speak or present research or nominate someone to speak at the conference, please submit an abstract through the FAST website. (www.FulbrightAcademy.org). If you are interested in participating, please send your name to FAST, and we will add you to the conference update list.
Women in Science
In October, FAST held its third “Women in Science” event by sponsoring a table at a luncheon held at the Science of Museum in Boston. Over 100 “Women In Science” came to hear Dr. Susan Hockfield , President of MIT, talk about women MIT graduates who changed the face of history. Dr. Hockfield also elaborated on current research at MIT, in particular, its multidisciplinary institutional focus on energy initiatives and the environment, and on life science/medical research.
Our table of ten Fulbrighters and guests included women scientists working at Boston College, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council, Seeding Labs, University of Massachusetts, and Massey University in New Zealand. After the luncheon, the participating women asked FAST to establish a steering committee to organize an ongoing series of programs in Boston for women Fulbrighters in science and technology fields. If you would like to attend, please send us a note. The first one will be in early 2009, most likely at Boston College.
Services to Our Members
We are open to suggestions from our members and constituents. You know what is needed to advance work in your discipline. You also know the joy of interacting with fellow Fulbright scholars. Please consider the offer of your time or your services to help FAST grow and be an effective for advancing the Fulbright mission in your local community or in your professional community. Send your ideas and requests to info@FulbrightAcademy.org
As an example, one of our contacts told us about a Nano-Materials Conference on November 10-12, 2008 at Jordan University in Amman and sponsored by the US National Science Foundation. As a result, FAST is working with the conference organizers to make the conference available through the internet to Fulbright scholars worldwide. Alumni in some cities will also be able to participate via teleconference.
The participating institutions include Cairo University, University of Tunis, Leiden University (Netherlands), Bilkent University (Turkey), Chalmers University (Sweden), King Saud University (Saudi Arabia), University of Sharja (UAE), the Qatar Foundation and the US National Science Foundation. The Italian Academic and Research Network (www.GARR.it) is providing the internet connectivity. For more information, please contact Eric Howard at FAST.
For other program developments, please look at the September issue of our newsletter, available at our website. Marine conservation, digital libraries and museums, health/nursing and Antarctica are topics under consideration.
LINKS - FAST PROGRAMS & INFORMATION
FAST is a non-profit 501(c)(3) membership-based organization that serves scientists, executives, and scholars worldwide. To support our programs, contributions of all size are welcome.
Our members and sponsors include individuals and institutions such as universities, corporations, government agencies and foundations. FAST collaborates with many Fulbright-related entities, but it is not affiliated with the US Fulbright Association or the Fulbright Exchange Program.
Regular membership is $60 for individuals and $500 for institutions of higher education. Life Membership is $500, and members of the Director's Circle contribute $1,000+/year. Reduced rates are available for middle-income countries, students and retirees. In order to build the network, we have offered free memberships to Fulbright scholars in low-income countries. Fulbrighters in low- and middle-income countries with some financial means are requested to join at the regular $60 rate or at the discounted rate of $40 for 2 years.
For additional information, and to learn about the benefits of Membership, please visit: www.FulbrightAcademy.org
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Fulbright Academy
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